Transcript Highlights:

• change.
• change.
• change.
• membership between the two caucuses. membership between the two caucuses.
• I'm I change I made served that mission.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you can see that while the average daily membership is rising in each of these categories, the
• Is the difference in percentages because the spending changed, and so now the other funding is still
• They haven't really changed in, I think, several years in the matrix.
• basis, that is all supposed to... ...because you're changing the filters on a regular basis, that is
• Again, we can choose to make changes to the formula should we decide to do that.

Summary: The joint education committee continued its adequacy study with a detailed Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, covering how Arkansas school districts and charters spend foundation and other funds on matrix and non-matrix items. Staff explained the methodology for mapping expenditures, the district and school categories used in the analysis, and key findings showing that districts spend more per student from all fund sources than the foundation amount alone. The presentation highlighted that classroom teachers account for the largest share of matrix spending, while operations and maintenance, student support staff, nurses, and other lines also drew significant attention. Members asked for additional breakdowns by district type, size, rural/urban status, and trend data, and several questions focused on how waivers affect funding and spending, especially for library media specialists and other positions. The committee then discussed non-matrix spending, including instructional aids, non-technology-related facilities, school safety, mental health services, dyslexia support, food service, gifted and talented, career and technical education, and other items not explicitly defined in the matrix. Staff reported that non-matrix spending exceeded $2 billion in 2025, with most of it coming from other fund sources, and that the top superintendent-identified unmet needs over recent surveys were mental health services, school safety, and dyslexia support. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, possible over-identification, and whether some support costs are being coded in ways that obscure the true spending picture. There was also discussion of facilities funding, the building fund, and the Department of Education’s partnership program for school construction and maintenance, with staff agreeing to provide more information and potentially bring department officials back for a future meeting. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly requested more granular data and clarifications, including waiver counts and funding impacts, trend lines for superintendent-reported needs, district-by-district spending spreadsheets, and definitions for certain matrix and accounting terms such as salary enhancement, LEA indebtedness, and other employee health insurance. The chair noted that the committee would continue the adequacy process over the coming months and use the worksheet in the binder to develop recommendations for the next biennium. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; instead, the committee received the report, asked for follow-up data, and agreed to continue the discussion at future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think they're in that there. university would change to read a public university would change to read
• It'll be different to each institution, but it's going to require a change in thinking and a change in
• Other changes in the the state.
• We're just to meaningful changes.
• make some language changes. make some language changes.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s how much our state has changed and how our perception has changed.
• For resiliency in the face of natural disasters, climate change, and the list goes on.
• The House amendments simply changed the word director to medical director.
• And the key amendment changes are: it requires an affidavit of a certificate of merit from a licensed
• It changes the membership of the Board of Commissioners for the Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they're patenting the technology to allow algorithms to change prices in real time.
• In my job, we deal with multiple warehouses and inventory is constantly changing.
• So we can say for our membership alone that's just 500 jobs.
• So we can say for our membership alone that's just 500 jobs.
• So we can say for our membership jobs.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on proposed Minnesota legislation to ban surveillance pricing and restrict AI-powered electronic shelf labels in grocery stores. Speakers from UFCW 1189 and UFCW Local 663, along with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, argued that these technologies could enable real-time price increases based on consumer data, undermine budgeting and privacy, and worsen affordability for families. They also said the technology could reduce hours or eliminate jobs for grocery workers who currently handle pricing and store knowledge, with UFCW Local 663 estimating about 500 affected jobs among its members alone. Testimony emphasized examples such as baby formula, diapers, bananas, and milk to illustrate how fluctuating prices could hurt families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people in food deserts. Speakers also argued that grocery workers provide essential customer service and that automation should be introduced responsibly, not at the expense of workers or consumers. Murphy and Sencer-Mura framed the bill as a response to corporate greed and big tech surveillance, saying Minnesota should act proactively before the practices become widespread. During questions, lawmakers and advocates discussed whether the issue was proactive or reactive, whether disclosure requirements like those used in New York would be sufficient, and how surveillance pricing differs from loyalty programs or coupons. Speakers said disclosure alone would not prevent tracking or price manipulation and that the goal was to stop the practice altogether. The transcript ended with the advocates saying they would continue meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; no vote or final committee action was recorded in the excerpt, though one question referenced a related bill stalling in committee earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• membership membership uh<01:12:55.880> the<01:12:56.000> bill<01:12:56.320> proposes
• committee is that they'd like to change committee is that they'd like to change that<01:49:55.800
• And again, there's no change to it here in this bill. Follow-up?
• we're able to also make um changes we're able to also make um changes quickly<02:10:40.480> if
• covered like I just said I'll change covered like I just said I'll change what<03:48:03.199>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So by failing to mention it, it does not change it.
• not nothing in this bill changes not nothing in this bill changes anything<00:42:54.800> about
• My grandma taught me that love means we get to change like the seasons.
• The enforcement of this bill won't change much from what is happening now.
• changes from I Nay representative Nisa changes from I to n<02:29:30.680> there<02:29:30.920><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And as of right now, every circuit has its own separate membership agreement with either Lexus or Westlaw
• And as of right now, every circuit has its own separate membership agreement with either Lexus or Westlaw
• or both. has its own separate membership agreement with either Lexus or Westlaw or both.
• All the changes would be purely moving language from one title to Title 19 and repealing any kind of

Summary: The commission approved the prior meeting minutes and then adopted the annual authorization for expense reimbursement for commissioners under Arkansas Code 25-16-902. Members noted that legislative commissioners would not receive reimbursement for the meeting day itself, consistent with their understanding of legislative per diem rules. The commission next considered LexisNexis pricing and replacement volume proposals. Company representatives proposed roughly a 7% price increase, citing higher costs and the Producer Price Index, and recommended replacing three volumes in 2026 and four in 2027 based on supplement size and age. Members asked about pricing for the public, the criteria for selecting replacement volumes, and the number of state sets sold. LexisNexis said the state pricing was tied to the public price structure and explained that replacement decisions are driven by keeping supplements manageable and volumes current. The commission approved the pricing and replacement volumes. Senator Tucker also raised the possibility of a statewide legal research contract for circuit judges, and LexisNexis said it would connect him with its sales team. Staff then updated the commission on the funds codification project. They reported reviewing state treasury funds and identifying many that are codified in more than one place, with the goal of moving the technical creation language into Title 19 only and repealing duplicative language elsewhere. The project is intended for inclusion in a fall technical corrections bill, after coordination with BLR Fiscal and DFA. Members discussed whether obsolete funds could also be identified for possible cleanup legislation, and staff said DFA maintains a list of obsolete funds and that any such information could be incorporated into future technical corrections work. The commission concluded by noting that no further business was expected before a later fall meeting to review technical corrections, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has long remained at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change
• It has over 1,000 graduate and undergraduate chapters in 11 countries, and its membership exceeds 360,000
• But its memberships include someone who is dear and dear to me, my beloved godmother, the late Matilia
• When you think about their membership, let me give you a couple that I know that you know.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then spent much of the session on recognitions, including a visit from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the introduction of Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day. Senators offered remarks honoring the chiefs’ service and welcoming Dr. Splinter and Dr. Sarah Jethro to the chamber. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 16, sponsored by Senators Miles, West, Alvarado, and Cook, designating January 29, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol. Senators Miles and West highlighted the sorority’s history, service work, and Texas members, and the resolution was adopted without objection. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 9 by Senator Perry recognizing American Public Works Association Day, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulating Heather Keister on being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Perry emphasized the importance of public works and infrastructure, and praised Keister’s engineering work and contributions to West Texas. The Senate also recognized a Brownsville delegation and celebrated Brownsville Day at the Capitol, with Senator Hinojosa of Nueces speaking about the city’s history and community spirit. Additional resolutions, including Senate Resolution 13 and Senate Resolution 18, were adopted without objection. The chamber then approved a motion to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee hearing and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting, and the Senate recessed until Monday, February 3, for bill reading and referral, then adjourned until Tuesday, February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• BY PRIORITIZING INVESTMENTS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES DATA CENTERS CATALOG SUPPLIES CHANGE ECOSYSTEMS CREATING
• DATA CENTER OWNER OPERATORS AS OUR LEADING MEMBERSHIP WE HAVE FOR LARGE HYPER SCALES DUE TO MICROSOFT
• A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE MEMBERSHIP IS A MULTITENANT DATA CENTER BUILDING OUT DATA CENTERS AND LEASING
• >> THE WAY WE HAVE STRUCTURED THIS, I DID NOT COVER IT HERE BUT WE ALSO ASKED FOR OTHER CHANGES TO THE
• DISTRIBUTION GRIDS CAN CHANGE FROM MONTH TO MONTH AND CERTAINLY IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT NEXT YEAR THAN

Transcript Highlights:

• The topics range from ARMs, regulatory changes, credit triggers, foreclosure legislation, escrows, flood
• So much federal regulatory change is taking place.
• However, during the Industrial Revolution, things changed.
• So we want to ensure that that remains the case with these potential changes that are being proposed
• They drew up an endorsement that changes the policy. It's called the anti-P.A. endorsement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational opening hearing for the Financial Services Committee, with Chair Murphy and Senator Feeney introducing new and returning members and explaining that no bills were being heard that day beyond brief introductory testimony. Commissioner of Banks Mary Gallagher thanked the committee for last session’s money transmission modernization law, and several members echoed appreciation for her office’s work. The hearing then featured a long series of stakeholder introductions and overviews of their priorities for the session. Testimony covered a wide range of financial, insurance, housing, health care, and consumer issues. Banking and mortgage groups discussed housing affordability, foreclosure delinquencies, flood insurance, regulatory changes, and the impact of federal policy shifts. Insurance representatives raised concerns about auto and homeowners market pressures, labor rates, tariffs, rebates, e-titling, third-party litigation funding, and public adjuster restrictions. Consumer and advocacy groups highlighted debt collection reform, earned wage access, retirement savings access, public banking, and consumer protections in financial services. Several speakers also emphasized the need for committee expertise and offered themselves as resources for future bills. Health-related organizations focused on insurance mandates, prior authorization, behavioral health access, pharmacy benefit manager reform, community health center funding, maternal health and midwifery reimbursement, and anesthesia reimbursement parity. Other groups, including credit unions, retailers, auto dealers, dental and medical associations, and behavioral health providers, described their roles in the Commonwealth and previewed legislation or policy areas they expect to follow this session. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended after testimony from the sign-up list and a few late additions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um nothing else changing on that. We have the Minneapolis food hall request in the bill.
• Um nothing else changing four per year. Um nothing else changing on<00:04:24.240> that.
• Uh, we changed it to be just 324.
• So, yeah, I'm grateful for the robust conversation and the changes as we move forward.
• I think it's important to be cautious about these changes, and I'm really grateful for that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just think it's important for us to understand that dynamics can change. They will change.
• So I just think it's important for us to understand that dynamics can change. They will change.
• And this doesn't change that.
• I'm happy to stand for changes.
• implex impacts with this law change. implex impacts with this law change.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:06.559> most as a result of several changes most as a result of several changes most
• So that was a big change and the mortality table was a big change too.
• and the mortality table was a big change and the mortality table was a big change<01:16:00.080> too
• that actual change.
• again I I can tell you uh our membership again I I can tell you uh our membership is<01:42:29.440

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum call, the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and approval of the prior meeting minutes. The first presentation was from Bo Craycraft of the Judicial Form Retirement System, who gave an update on investment performance, asset allocation, cash flow, and projected employer costs. He reported strong fiscal year 2025 investment results, with both the legislative and judicial retirement plans outperforming their actuarial assumed rates of return and benchmarks, driven largely by U.S. equity performance. He also noted the plans remained near their target asset allocation and continued to experience negative cash flow, though he said that was manageable in context of strong asset growth. Craycraft then discussed a recent experience study and actuarial assumption changes, especially a revised salary growth assumption and a higher cash balance interest credit rate. He said these changes increased projected employer costs, with contributions rising from about $700,000 to a projected $2 million in later years, though he expected the eventual 2025 valuation and investment gains to reduce that estimate. Members asked about mortality assumptions, the impact of the experience study on liabilities, and the sharp increase in the judicial plan’s projected employer cost. Craycraft explained that the increase was driven mainly by the updated assumptions and that no other major plan changes were involved. At the chair’s request, Craycraft also addressed the recent rise in Medicare Advantage premiums for the plan’s health coverage, saying the 2025 increase was largely tied to Part D changes and the Inflation Reduction Act and had been about 45%, but that future growth was expected to be under 5%. After his presentation, the committee moved to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority update, where the next speaker began by saying the funds had exceeded actuarial assumed returns for the fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• significant price signal to drive change significant price signal to drive change um<01:14:08.400
• and market changes.
• period the time period could be changed period the time period could be changed so<02:53:30.279>
• they are then of course the membership they are then of course the membership ship<03:08:47.640>
• particular facet of climate change particular facet of climate change climate<05:11:55.120> change

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where we needed to make the changes where we needed to make the changes because<00:10:54.560>
• So the feeling on behalf of the commission was we'd make some slight changes in membership to uh account
• uh slight changes in membership to uh slight changes in membership to uh account<00:33:17.279>
• That moment changed everything.
• The bill is changing information.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:40.319> that<00:02:40.720> the<00:02:41.599> um changes that the um changes
• :03:35.440> Clardy<00:03:35.920> was change that Representative Clardy was change that
• The change defend the current system.
• Um, why this administration changes.
• along and then an administration changes along and then an administration changes or<00:53:22.800

Bills: HF3714, HF4399, HF4176, HF2544, HF60, HF4231, HF4232

Keywords: foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, education, school board, elections, local governance, school district, site-governed schools, education reform, local control, autonomy, interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, student eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the bill changes the classification from a class one misdemeanor to a classified felony for an
• Lastly, the bill changes the classification from a class one misdemeanor to a classified felony for an
• So what this bill does during the change of ownership process is to address that payment gap.
• This just changes the route or the way that the patient's receiving it, is that correct?
• This just changes the route or the way that the patient's receiving it, is that correct?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials across several policy areas, with most items presented as consent or third-read measures and little debate. Topics included special license plates for the Arizona Space Commission, local land-use and housing restrictions, liquor regulation updates, limits on municipal delays in permitting and exactions, election equipment security and timekeeping requirements, precinct committeeman vacancy procedures, assisted living and deed-fraud measures, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming Wesley Bolin Plaza, and a ban on gender transition procedures for minors. Members also discussed health and human services bills on behavioral health technician standards, Medicaid billing during ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic IV administration authority, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and access claim-processing timelines. The Judiciary portion covered probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, a civil cause of action related to prohibited gender reassignment surgery on minors, elimination of the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, probation incentive calculations, victim-rights expense recovery, unlawful flight penalties, vulnerable adult theft definitions, motor fuel theft, unlawful alerting, and evidence rules in sexual-assault-related hearings. In discussion, members asked for clarifications on several bills, including the definitions of “malicious” delay, internet access on election equipment, the scope of the breast screening bill, and the meaning of unlawful alerting. Supporters repeatedly described bills as common-sense, fraud-prevention, patient-access, or public-safety measures, while one member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee. Additional measures in land, agriculture, water, public safety, and transportation included foreign-entity restrictions on land transactions, limits on transporting Mexican gray wolf puppies, water reuse and groundwater fee extensions, a larger water supply revolving fund loan cap, congressional memorials on EPA authority and the San Carlos irrigation project, expanded traumatic event counseling coverage, reimbursement of legal costs for certain disciplined law enforcement officers, data sharing with the federal government on unauthorized aliens, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military-property sign placement, a towing and impound study committee, photo enforcement penalties, and highway renaming memorials. No roll-call votes were described in the transcript, and the meeting ended after the transportation items and memorials were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill is pretty broad and makes some big changes.
• Chang Um, Senator uh, Chang >> I.
• Testifying first is the Climate change.
• Um simply changing on with amendments.
• Senator Chang: Aye. Senator Lamal: I.

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number three is $42,000 for membership dues and project funding to the American Soybean Association.
• Soybean Export Council for membership dues and project funding.
• collaboration on research projects for soybean industry improvement number three is 42,000 for membership
• We have the Soybean Export Council for membership dues and project funding.
• This is for network solutions, functionality requests, change requests, environmental updates, on-demand

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.